New England Patriots players remember the big game as kids

TAUNTON — Many Greater Taunton residents will tune in tonight to see if the New England Patriots will win their sixth Super Bowl title.

It will be history in the making if they can beat the Philadelphia Eagles.

Several members of the current Patriots roster recently reminisce about the days of watching the big game on the tube as a kid.

"Yeah, I mean that's what you dream about, getting to the NFL," said New England captain Duron Harmon during a press conference in January at Gillette Stadium. "It's not just getting to the NFL, it's playing in those big games, the huge games and the ultimate game which is the Super Bowl. [It's] about celebrating with your team and getting the win. Fortunately, I've been able to be a part of two of those."

Patriots captain Devin McCourty was born in Montvale, N.J. and he had his favorite team growing up in 1990s.

"I was a Cowboys fan growing up, but yeah, I think everyone dreams about making a big play in a Super Bowl," McCourty said. "Then, you get there and it’s like, 'I just want to play good and win.’ I don’t care if I make the play. As long as we come out the winner, I’m for it."

Defensive lineman Trey Flowers didn't have a team growing up, but said it is a blessing to play in the Super Bowl.

"As a kid I really didn't have a team or anything but as far as being in this game, definitely a dream of a young guy trying to pursue a career in the sport that he loves," Flowers said. "It's definitely special just to dream about it as a kid and work hard for it, prepare for it and be in a great position."

Wide receiver Philip Dorsett used to watch the Miami Dolphins play every Sunday. But Dorsett never got a chance to watch the Dolphins play in the big game. The last time Miami played in the Super Bowl was in 1985 — eight years before Dorsett was even born.

In fact, the Dolphins has not won a Super Bowl since 1974.

"I was a Dolphin fan but they never made it it the Super Bowl," he said. "I'm excited about being in the Super Bowl. This is what you dream about being a football player growing up. Everybody watches this game. It's amazing, I can't even explain."

Wide receiver Chris Hogan, who captured his first Super Bowl crown last year against the Atlanta Falcons, said he was a Giants fans growing up in New Jersey.

New York won its first Super Bowl in 1987, a year before the birth of Hogan. He was three when the Giants captured their second Super Bowl title in 1991.

"I grew up in Jersey so I was a Giants fan," Hogan said. " My dad was a Jets fan. We always rivaled in the house. But playing in this game is an unbelievable opportunity. I'm very grateful for being on this team. I'm excited to be getting another opportunity."

Of course, quarterback Tom Brady idolized the San Francisco 49ers as a child.

Brady was in attendance with his dad the day Dwight Clark made the catch during the NFC championship game against the Dallas Cowboys in 1982. The play started a dynasty that resulted in four Super Bowls in the 1980s. Brady was just 5 years old at the time.

The 49ers captured another Super Bowl title in 1995.

Brady and the Patriots can accomplish something no other team in history has ever done tonight — win three Super Bowls in four years twice.

It will be a feat that will never be matched in the National Football League.